Construction has begun in Puerto Real (Cadiz) on what will be Swiss company MET Group's first solar project in Spain, with 50megawatts of capacity. Christened Puerto Real 3, it will occupy an area of around 130 hectares on which more than 88,000 solar panels will be installed. The aim is to start operations in the third quarter of 2023.

MET Group joined the Cadiz PV solar energy project after acquiring 100% of the shares in April 2022, at which point it was already at “ready to build” status. High levels of solar irradiation in the area attracted the group’s attention. The park will form part of the company's green assets division, which aims to achieve a renewable energy portfolio of one gigawatt of installed capacity by 2026.

Spanish subsidiary
The Swiss group arrived in Spain more than six years ago with the creation of a local subsidiary, MET Energía España. Until now, the focus in Spain has been on supplying natural gas and electricity to the end customerThe company also acquired Cogen Energía España in 1921, an integrated operator and service provider in the combined heat and power (CHP) industry.

The project that will integrate the firm into the renewable energy sector in Spain is to be undertaken in collaboration with CMC Europe, which is responsible for engineering, supply and construction. The plant will utilise the latest technology, and will have an expected life span of at least 30 years. The solar park will be connected to the grid via an existing high-voltage substation.

Mature business ecosystem
MET Group's CEO for renewable energies, Christian Hürlimann, described Spain as “one of the key growth markets for our renewables business, so several additional projects are under consideration”. He explained that “the Spanish market combines favourable wind and solar irradiation conditions with a mature corporate ecosystem, robust power system, and a strong institutional and legislative background, making it very attractive for further investments”.

With regard to future development of its business, Hürlimann is focusing on the European markets where the group already has a local presence. In addition to growing its base of customers who purchase renewable energy products, he said that the company aims to “acquire ready-to-build assets and develop greenfield and brownfield sites, as well as establishing PPAs with companies”.

^{Photo: Met Group}